I have a similar problem: My passenger low-beam (Xenon type) occasionally doesn't turn on. It's not out all the time. In fact, the lights will come on, and it'll pop on then turn off a split second later. Usually, by cycling the headlights, it'll come back on. It's very intermittent, so I'm not too worried about it.
Another interesting note about it is that it is "bluer" than the matching one on the driver's side. You can tell it immediately, as it warms up, but even after running for a while, you can really tell that one is "whiter" and one is "bluer". Both give off excellent light, but it's a little odd.
The passenger one is a replacement for a broken one. I'd love to know if there's more than one manufacturer of them, and see if I've got the driver's side from one plant, and the passenger from another.
rodut, Your comment "His Pac was one of the first ones ever built, beginning of 2003. Obviously they knew those vehicles were big trouble so they saved time by just refunding the vehicle value. They were nice." Makes it sound like you almost knew what you were talking about. Rather than speculate and post your opinion as fact, you may want to check first.
My Pacifica was built in 6/03. The Pacifica started full scale production on February 7, 2003 a full 5 month's before my car was built (many, many cars were built prior to that as they were working on sharing the production line with the vans at the Windsor plant). At launch time Chrysler announced that they would be building 100,000 Pacifica's per year. That equates to approx. 8,400 per month which means they had built approx. 42,000 Pacifica's prior to mine. You may think it was "one of the first ones ever built", but the facts seem to prove otherwise. Regardless of whether it was the first off the assembly line or the 1,000,000th off the line, the problems I experienced with my Pacifica were totally unacceptble for a vehicle in this price category.
I bought into the whole marketing spin that the new Daimler/Chrysler collaboration on this vehicle would bring an entirely new level of quality to the American auto scene. Unfortunately for me and many of the people who have posted the more than 1,000 posts in this "Problems and Solutions" forum it has turned out to be just that...marketing spin.
The only bright side to this whole experience is that I got an awesome lease deal on this car in the first place and now Chrysler to their credit is buying it back at a temendous loss to them.
rsharp, As I stated in my original post, I simply followed all the rules and dotted every i and crossed every t along the way. When the service director finally asked what I wanted Chrysler to do is told him "I want Chrysler to honor their legal obligation as set forth in the California Song Beverly warranty act (also known as the Lemon Law) and buy back my car according the terms of the act. That was all it took. I never threatened to sue them, I just asked them to honor their legal obligation.
After driving fire engines and ambulances for more than 10 years I know that correctly adjusting and using the mirrors on the Pacifica will make a lot difference in reducing the blind spots to each side. This will not help, however, with the huge blind spot to the rear caused by the vehicle's high belt line.
We solved this by purchasing the Mopar backup alarm (not called that) and it has saved at least two bicycles, a trash can and our mailbox. Found this on eBay (brand new) for about 50% of dealer cost and spent another $200 to have it installed. There are four sensors in the rear bumper along with a light and alarm inside the rear hatch. The light changes from green to yellow to red as you get close and the alarm gets more annoying at the same time.
The system will detect items down low to the ground and somewhat off to the side. For example, it beeps when I back out of the garage as it senses the door frame.
Total cost was around $400, but I think that this is a lot cheaper than fixing a damaged rear bumper.
In Canada it's a CAN$365 option (approx US$300) on a new Pac. The factory system has a chain of lots of leds. If nothing behind only one led on each side will be lit. If you approach something on the right side, only the leds on the right side will lit (more leds if you are closer), so actually you know on which side is the danger. Also it beeps if you are close. It's a must have for any SUV or van.
I have a 2004 pac that wont do ANYTHING when it gets below freezing, wont start, the reomte and power door locks wont work. Its been towed in twice and shortley after the delership gets it everything will just start working and again!! Ive only had it 2 weeks and its been in twice for it. They said they cant find the problem. Since everthing will just start working again.
You really need to drop it off at the dealer the night before you expect cold temperatures. It sounds like just a little bit of warmth makes the problem go away, so you need to make sure that the service tech can look at it first thing in the morning.
Both the starter and the power doors locks don't work ?!? The only common point would be the battery ! Is the battery dead ? People complained in the past about that. If battery dead, probably the dealer boosted it using another battery and then you recharged your battery when driving. Did you properly close the doors in the evening ? If not the 10 bulbs inside Pacifica stayed on during the night. I wonder if they switch off after some time. Anyway 10 bulbs is too many !
Has anyone noticed a growling noise from the engine? This has started recently. I have about 30K on the car (July 2003 edition). It is noticeable at about 2K RPM as I accelerate from a stop. I don't hear it at any other engine speed.
I had a car who did that. It was the tired muffler resonating at about 2.5K RPM. They replaced the resonating muffler part and that solved the problem.
I think Pacifica needs a better radio antenna. Generally it works perfect, but if I am downtown, between some big buildings, I get distortions on some frequencies where I shouldn't get them.
Its at the dealer now they cant figure it out either. they said the battery is fine. Its really strange. the red light for the alarm stay flashing steadty when it does this too. Its like the alarm is staying armed and im using a bad key to try and start it. because if you try to start it it will run for 2 seconds and the just die and the red light stays flashing the whole time. and then once it gets warmer out everything will just start working again.
OK, this is odd... My wife recently took her Pac (2004 with 9K miles on it) on a 400 mile trip. When she returned, she said the cruise was acting "funny". It didn't want to engage at all above 65, and it was sluggish when increasing speed via the "Acc/Resume" button.
Well, I drove the car yesterday, and experienced these things, as well. It's just odd. The cruise works, but not anything like it did, before. In fact, when going up a hill (tall bridge or any moderate incline), it will NOT downshift to get more power - it just keeps chugging along. I had it set at 55 yesterday and went over a tall bridge. By the time I got to the top of the bridge, we were going 30, and still in 4th gear! It never downshifted. It's like it stoned or something
Anyone ever hear of anything like this? I'm thinking of disconnecting the battery to see if that resets the cruise computer, but I don't know of anything else. I don't recall a TSB on anything like this, but I could be wrong. Any help would be appreciated!
Todd I had the same problem with mine. The dealer found a vacuum hose not connected under the battery. They connected it and it is fine. Bring yours back to the dealer and let them look at it.
I am new to this board... FOB... Well, After several weeks searching... I decided that the 04 Pacifica was a good deal. Just picked it up today from the dealer. Looks good & classy, very impressed... However, as I leave the parking lot, I notice the noise from the front end already. Returned and depressed!!! Just have the car for less than 500ft and needs service??? Service dept. give me the appointment for 8 o'clock tomorrow. I drove home (5Km)and found no noise on the smooth surface, noise is very noticeable on snow and semi-rough surface. Stay tune... I will post what's wrong with this car with only 25Km on it tomorrow. HELP!!! I AM DEPRESSED!!!
I have the same clunk during initial exceleration and the car is in for the 6th time today. Who from Chrysler did you deal with to have them buy back your car? How did you go about this?
As I said in my post yesterday, this is a follow up about the noise from the front end right after I picked up the car. The dealer told me today that they have to replace a couple of bushings... AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. They have to order the parts and call me when they have it!!! Wondering if any boby out there have had the same problems. I check the date code and it is made in FEB. 04. It brand new 2004 and I have it for only 1 day with only 35Km on it. This quality is not acceptable for the car of this class!!! The sale person told me that they make a special bulk-purchase from MFG and pass on the saving to me... IS IT THE WAY CHRYSLER GET RID OF REJECTED CARS BY SELLING IT AT A DISCOUNT PRICE??? I WONDER??? Who knows what other problem(s) I will encounter???
Perhaps one should be more careful when seeing such a good deal of this type. Request a test drive on the car you want to buy... NOT THE ONE THEY GIVE YOU TO TRY OUT and they pick yours from the compound.
We had a similar experience with our Pacifica and the service department telling us that there would be a delay in repairing our car. Our problem was transmission-related and they wanted us to take our car home for 2 weeks and drive it until the Chrysler factory representative had time to come down to look at it. We refused to take it home, and insisted that Chrysler keep the car until the problem was fixed. In our opinion, it was not in a driveable condition. This also signalled to Chrysler that we were unhappy, and in the end, the days that they kept the car all counted towards the number required by CA law for Chrysler to buy back the car (which they did.) I am sorry - I feel your pain. I went into a complete anxiety tailspin when we had our first problem with our car after 144 miles of driving. Just remember that you have rights, and Chrysler knows this as well.
Just a 2nd follow up to report the findings... I picked up the Pacifica (unrepaired due to parts b/o) It requires bushings for control arms (both left & right). In the work order, it said special parts ordered as per TSB.1. I want your readers out there to know that this is a Technical Service Bulletin. This means I am not the only one with this problem (noise from the front end). I hope this is informative for other Pacifica owners. I am still depressed as this is only the 2nd day I own the car with problem exists and has not been fixed. The service advisor told me that it is ok to drive the car. However, the noise becomes very obvious and gets louder as I drive home on the snow covered road so I decided to park the car for now. Huh, the weekend plan is spoiled without the new car to show off... The quality control (is there such things???)is not acceptable.
Thanks Laurheis. I should have left my car at the service... Darnn it I picked it up and drive home just to park it. You are right, in my opinion, it is not safe to drive although the service advisor said it perfectly safe. Who know?
Me, I know. Bad bushings are not a safety concern. Bushings are just a rubber layer between an axle and a ring. If old (or too small) they will allow some play between the axle and the ring, so generate the noise you hear. The axle cannot fly away because the ring (and not the rubber) keeps it into place. I advise you to drive the Pac to see if other things come up. The car is safe, as the guy said.
Trying to avoid a "newbie" dupe post, I just went through every article in the archive. I have a 2004 AWD Pacifica. The symptoms are: When letting off the gas after a fairly normal acceleration, the transmission "clunks". It does it intermittantly, but enough to be noticable and annoying.
Took it in for the problem once already and the dealer (Lake Norman Chrysler in Cornelius, NC) claims that the sound is normal and it is the torque converter. The car did not make this noise when new so I doubt it is normal.
I have almost 20,000 miles and it started happening in the 12K to 14K range. At first I though the clunk might be tire noise (it is somewhat muffled) but after hearing it more it is definately coming from the drivetrain.
I just want to get it fixed and any advice is appreicated. So far the transfer case issue seems closest. I do not think it is a bushing issue.
I heard about this today on the news and came across this bulletin. Apparently it effects cars manufactured from July 1, 2004 - January 31, 2005.
I wonder if these will go on a "national back order" like the Serpentine belt that I needed to have replaced...
Recalls Summary
Make: CHRYSLER Model: PACIFICA Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE Year: 2005 Recall Number: 05V066000 Summary: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLAMP FUNCTION. Consequence: THE HEAD LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR NO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. THIS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE WIRING HARNESS AND LOW BEAM BULB ON BOTH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. Notes: DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. E04. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
Thank you...however I do know what HID are! This was my mistake when writing the email. I have the HID and that is what I was thinking at the time. But yes, this is for the Halogen Lights.
Rodut, thank you very much for the link. It's good to know that we have a CDN friend. Good place with good people. Keep up the good works...
For other Pacifica owners out there, please pay attention to this front-end noise and bring it back to your dealer for repair. Keep in mind that if you only drive on smooth road, you may not easily notice the noise. I drive on the snow covered road and it is really BAD and very irritate, especially on a new car with only 50Miles on it... Follow the link provided by Rodut's post and read it, it may be easier to find this defect when driving in the parking lot or semi-rough surface.
Take care.
PS: Rodut, now I know I can safely drive it "as is" with a bit annoying BUT driving without it??? No Thanks... The only bar I can do without for a night or two is just the local bar.
Don't be depressed! You have a beautiful car! Just take it in and get it fixed. My Chrysler dealer is great, I was experiencing the same problem, I took it in and they are paying for a rental car until it is fixed. Im glad to know now that there is a TSB released on this problem and so they are aware of it and will fix it quickly. I love my Pacifica, we just bought it and drove it to the mountains in snow and rain and windy mountain roads, it handled like a dream. Never knew Chrysler could make such a nice car, being a Honda owner all these years has spoiled me a bit with no TSB on that car, but Chrysler seems to be taking care of me anyway. I'll keep you updated on car repair progress and you do the same. Good Luck!
It sounds like a loose ball joint with clunking noise. You can feel the vibration through the steering wheel on a rough surface. I suggest you to check the TSB, if your car was built within the specified period, just take it back to the dealer (they know the problem). Take care.
The noise I was hearing sounded like a low thump, kind of like the right front speaker was blown out, or going out, that same kind of thump. But it was not the speaker, cause I heard the noise when I turned off the radio and usually I would hear the noise when I was on a slightly bumpy road around town and was doing around 40 MPH. If I was driving on a nice smooth interstate, there was no problem for me. Only under certain conditions did I hear the noise.
I have a 2004 Pacifica FWD and am experiencing significant noise and vibration on acceleration. The vibration can be felt through the steering wheel and the floorboard of the car. The dealer has checked it and can find nothing wrong with the transmission, engine mounts, etc. and he believes that it is in the exhaust system (???) but can't fix it. The problem seems to go away once the car is out of first gear.
The second problem is with the auto liftgate. 9 times out of 10, the system will beep 2 times and you can hear the mechanics of the latch attempting to work, but it goes no further. The dealer says that they have not run across this problem and don't know how to fix it.
Any help or advice (short of finding another dealer)?
We've spent a month, 3 rentals, 2 tows, 6 trips and tonight the car is at a 2nd dealer, still undiagnosed. Our 05 Pacifica, just over 1,000 miles, begins to ride with a bumpiness, then slows down, won't accelerate, then the burning smell. No dash alert and this after the car is fairly well warmed up. Short trips get by ok. f First diagnosis was calipers...but all problems still there. 2nd diagnosis, catalytic converter..still all problems. We'll see what this next dealership comes up with. We keep being told it's safe. Right! Getting really angry and frustrated here. Anyone with anything similar?
I can feel your pain. It's very frustrated when you have a new car with problems. I took delivery of my car and returned after driving for less than a mile with front end noise (see my previous post... TSB - I am sure there are more Pac. owner out there with the same front end noise) It is now repaired after 1 week (parts b/o) I do not have the similar problems but my has only 120 miles.
You have a history of all the previous repairs and the problems are still there, give all the repaired details to the 2nd dealer and tell them to keep the car until it is completely fixed. Hopefully, this signals them that you don't want the car any more. My first experience with Chrysler services is not a sweet one but the car is now fixed and drive quite nice.
It's a nice car once they work out all the bugs... Good luck.
Many thanks to rodut for pointing out the TSB 02-001-05. The symptom/condition is exactly what it said in this TSB. However - according to the work order - they replaced the lower control arms and bushings. Is it as same as the front sway bar links? I don't think so. The TSB 02-001-05 calls for p/n 047436699AA but they replace 04743476AI, 04743477AI and 06505347AA. Any thoughts on this?
I just did some more reading and discovered that my problem was in the TSB 02-007-04. It is the lower control arm (both left & right) It's not the front sway bar links.
This is very informative to other Pacifica owners out there... Thank you.
Many Thanks to rodut for posting the TSB link, that was my pacifica's exact problem and it is now fixed and good as new. You happened to post that TSB the same day I took car into the shop. You saved my Chrysler dealer and me a lot of time and money. I love driving my Pacifica!! Thanks again.
I purchased a 2004 Pacifica in October 2004. It is an early production unit that had been on the dealer's lot since early 2003. It has every option except NAV & Bluetooth. I bought it from a small town dealership that doesn't move many $40,000 vehicles and got a very good price.
Now the meat & potatoes:
The first week we had the car, the climate control display went out and the EVIC died. It spent a week at the dealer for those problems alone. It's getting close to the first service and it has the front-end grind, the right side xenon flickers occasionally and the speakers crackle when playing CD's.
The biggest issue I have is mileage. In 4,500 miles, it has never done better than 13 MPG. I have taken it on a road trip from Phoenix to LA with the same results. 250 miles per tank is just plain awful! My father's 300 horsepower Lincoln Aviator get's 15-16 and is every bit as heavy as a Pacifica.
Has anyone else gotten such poor mileage with their AWD model? My wife is the primary driver and is very conservative. I've always gotten the higher end of EPA estimates with all my vehicles, including my current daily driver (Audi A4-1.8T).
I really want to like this vehicle. It is extremely comfortable, fits my family great and is a pleasure to drive. 12.5 MPG is totally unacceptable, though. As it stands, I feel my Chrysler reservations were not just paranoia. Maybe I should have stuck with my gut instinct.
dcdchau, probably because your Pac is older they had to use that TSB. I heard longtime ago talks about those control arms and their bushings. New ones, like amyb2's one or mine, had this problem solved in the factory.
Mine, built Jan13 this year, had both problems solved.
Amyb2, me too I am a longtime Honda fan. I owned three Hondas since 1991, and I drive the 3rd one on a daily basis (2001 made). My wife decided the Pacifica was for her. I get it in the weekends. I have to say that Hondas quality is not what it was ... but it's not bad though. Pacifica is an incredible vehicle. Sure it's not a sports car, but nobody ever expected that from a 4,500 lbs vehicle.
Live_to_drive you will have other problems too with your early 2003 built Pac. What happened to you is typical for early 2003s, and there are other things coming. According with these web sites Pacificas became trouble free around middle of 2004. I read about some very happy early 2003 buyers, but most ANGRY "lemon law prone" owners were early 2003 manuf date buyers. That happened to most 1st year cars, at all manufacturers.
Live_to_drive, Phoenix doesn't sound frozen at all ! Here in Canada, because of extreme cold temperatures we could get sometimes bad mileage ! On a "hot day" (about 30 Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius) I recently saw on the EVIC display around 26mpg. This is exactly what the book says. The conditions matter A LOT though. I used the following: FWD Pacifica, no wind, horizontal good quality side road, preheated engine (let's say driven about 10 miles), car on cruise control on 45 miles/hour (or driven around that speed in the 4th gear), you push the RESET mileage button (it will take a couple of seconds to activate), then you drive it for let's say 10 miles at that speed. The EVIC mileage computer reading should climb pretty high.
Now ... the real test is measuring manually the mileage, by using the number of driven miles and the gallons of gas used. True, 250 miles per tank is bad. Some people said that break in matters, so the mileage would become better ... don't know ... mine was 300 miles old, last month, when I used that setup to test it.
Actually, in all honesty, I think you got an incredible discount on that vehicle, so you could pay for tons of gas before breaking even. It could fix by itself ...
(Well, a little early) My wife's Pac has about 9600 miles on it. It's a 2004, and we've had the recalls peformed on it, and the only TSB-related item (so far) has been the ATC contoller dimming out on us.
When we bought it, and going through the breaking-in period, we were getting about what my '02 Ram 5.9L did: 13 in town, and 17 on the road. However, this has steadily climbed, and I'm pleased to report that yesterday I checked it (with the computer - haven't double-checked manually yet) and cam out with 24.7 miles per gallon at 60 on the road. Averaging about 17 in town, and 19.1 overall (mostly town driving).
The only material changes I've made to the car from stock are: a K&N air filter, and an oil change with Mobil1 Synthetic the other day.
Like most people, I've been a little concerned with the gas mileage, but love the car so much that I put up with it (same thing about my Ram). However, if these mileage computations come out as accurate when I double-check them, I'll be very happy. Our Intrepid (same size engine, 1/2 the weight) would only get 30mpg on the highway, so if I can get just below that for trips in a much bigger, more luxurious vehicle, I'm very happy.
Also, my wife got a screw in her tire the other day - we took it to a tire shop on the air force base where she works (who did the oil change), and they said it was unrepairable. The screw was in the middle of the tread, not the sidewall, and the replacement tire (one tire, now), was $176.10!!! I took it to the tire shop I normally use in town, and they repaired it for $15.00. He told me the shop on base, and some others, like Wal-Mart, really don't like doing repairs anymore, and will say just about anything to get out of them.
rodut, mine is '04 MDH 031212. The problems with the control arms and their bushings are on the Pac. '04 and '05 models. The problem with the sway link bar is ONLY on the '04 model. This helps to clarify two different possible defects with similar symptom/condition depending on the model year you have. Take care...
I am a owner of a 2004 AWD Pacifica (brought new) with 13,980 miles on it. I have been somewhat satisfied with my vehicle outside of the usual poor mileage performance which is HORRIBLE. I just changed to 93 Octane gas as i have read in the forums may help. The serious problem is that i have had that about 6 months ago i started hearing a noise in the engine. Sounded like a "drippling" sound. Then 1 month ago i started hearing the dreaded "ticking" noise. Immediately i had a good idea of what it was. I took it to the dealer and sure enough it was the lifters. They had to keep the car for 9 days and during that time i was given a 2005 Infinity F35. Very nice. My question is i am very worried about the engine now and i asked the dealer was it worth turning in the vehicle due to my concerns with the engine and of course they told me that once the lifters have been replaced that the engine is brand new. After getting the vehicle back..guess what? The "drippling" sound is still there! Anyone else experienced this problem??
Clong, please tell me more about the "dripping" sound. I have a 2004 FWD model, built for me and picked up 7/2003. I hear the slightest of ticking sound, but have so far ignored it. I have about 31K miles on it.
I've had my 05 PAC for three weeks. Every couple of days the driver side floorboard is wet. I pretty sure its just water. Of course its always dry when we get a chance to take it in. Dealer found no problem. I'm sure it has something to do with the AC.
I just got a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring and the CD system has the Disc Up and Disc Down buttons however I haven't been able to load multiple discs.
I pretty much assumed that the buttons are just to control a disc changer if you installed one aftermarket.
Comments
Another interesting note about it is that it is "bluer" than the matching one on the driver's side. You can tell it immediately, as it warms up, but even after running for a while, you can really tell that one is "whiter" and one is "bluer". Both give off excellent light, but it's a little odd.
The passenger one is a replacement for a broken one. I'd love to know if there's more than one manufacturer of them, and see if I've got the driver's side from one plant, and the passenger from another.
Todd
Your comment "His Pac was one of the first ones ever built, beginning of 2003. Obviously they knew those vehicles were big trouble so they saved time by just refunding the vehicle value. They were nice." Makes it sound like you almost knew what you were talking about. Rather than speculate and post your opinion as fact, you may want to check first.
My Pacifica was built in 6/03. The Pacifica started full scale production on February 7, 2003 a full 5 month's before my car was built (many, many cars were built prior to that as they were working on sharing the production line with the vans at the Windsor plant). At launch time Chrysler announced that they would be building 100,000 Pacifica's per year. That equates to approx. 8,400 per month which means they had built approx. 42,000 Pacifica's prior to mine. You may think it was "one of the first ones ever built", but the facts seem to prove otherwise. Regardless of whether it was the first off the assembly line or the 1,000,000th off the line, the problems I experienced with my Pacifica were totally unacceptble for a vehicle in this price category.
I bought into the whole marketing spin that the new Daimler/Chrysler collaboration on this vehicle would bring an entirely new level of quality to the American auto scene. Unfortunately for me and many of the people who have posted the more than 1,000 posts in this "Problems and Solutions" forum it has turned out to be just that...marketing spin.
The only bright side to this whole experience is that I got an awesome lease deal on this car in the first place and now Chrysler to their credit is buying it back at a temendous loss to them.
rsharp,
As I stated in my original post, I simply followed all the rules and dotted every i and crossed every t along the way. When the service director finally asked what I wanted Chrysler to do is told him "I want Chrysler to honor their legal obligation as set forth in the California Song Beverly warranty act (also known as the Lemon Law) and buy back my car according the terms of the act. That was all it took. I never threatened to sue them, I just asked them to honor their legal obligation.
Todd
We solved this by purchasing the Mopar backup alarm (not called that) and it has saved at least two bicycles, a trash can and our mailbox. Found this on eBay (brand new) for about 50% of dealer cost and spent another $200 to have it installed. There are four sensors in the rear bumper along with a light and alarm inside the rear hatch. The light changes from green to yellow to red as you get close and the alarm gets more annoying at the same time.
The system will detect items down low to the ground and somewhat off to the side. For example, it beeps when I back out of the garage as it senses the door frame.
Total cost was around $400, but I think that this is a lot cheaper than fixing a damaged rear bumper.
Ive only had it 2 weeks and its been in twice for it. They said they cant find the problem.
Since everthing will just start working again.
If battery dead, probably the dealer boosted it using another battery and then you recharged your battery when driving.
Did you properly close the doors in the evening ? If not the 10 bulbs inside Pacifica stayed on during the night. I wonder if they switch off after some time. Anyway 10 bulbs is too many !
Thanks.... Paul
I think Pacifica needs a better radio antenna. Generally it works perfect, but if I am downtown, between some big buildings, I get distortions on some frequencies where I shouldn't get them.
Did somebody installed an upgraded antenna ?
Well, I drove the car yesterday, and experienced these things, as well. It's just odd. The cruise works, but not anything like it did, before. In fact, when going up a hill (tall bridge or any moderate incline), it will NOT downshift to get more power - it just keeps chugging along. I had it set at 55 yesterday and went over a tall bridge. By the time I got to the top of the bridge, we were going 30, and still in 4th gear! It never downshifted. It's like it stoned or something
Anyone ever hear of anything like this? I'm thinking of disconnecting the battery to see if that resets the cruise computer, but I don't know of anything else. I don't recall a TSB on anything like this, but I could be wrong. Any help would be appreciated!
Todd
IS IT THE WAY CHRYSLER GET RID OF REJECTED CARS BY SELLING IT AT A DISCOUNT PRICE??? I WONDER??? Who knows what other problem(s) I will encounter???
Perhaps one should be more careful when seeing such a good deal of this type. Request a test drive on the car you want to buy... NOT THE ONE THEY GIVE YOU TO TRY OUT and they pick yours from the compound.
HELP!!! I AM DEPRESSED!!!
I want your readers out there to know that this is a Technical Service Bulletin. This means I am not the only one with this problem (noise from the front end). I hope this is informative for other Pacifica owners. I am still depressed as this is only the 2nd day I own the car with problem exists and has not been fixed. The service advisor told me that it is ok to drive the car. However, the noise becomes very obvious and gets louder as I drive home on the snow covered road so I decided to park the car for now. Huh, the weekend plan is spoiled without the new car to show off...
The quality control (is there such things???)is not acceptable.
When letting off the gas after a fairly normal acceleration, the transmission "clunks". It does it intermittantly, but enough to be noticable and annoying.
Took it in for the problem once already and the dealer (Lake Norman Chrysler in Cornelius, NC) claims that the sound is normal and it is the torque converter. The car did not make this noise when new so I doubt it is normal.
I have almost 20,000 miles and it started happening in the 12K to 14K range. At first I though the clunk might be tire noise (it is somewhat muffled) but after hearing it more it is definately coming from the drivetrain.
I just want to get it fixed and any advice is appreicated. So far the transfer case issue seems closest. I do not think it is a bushing issue.
TIA!
-Ben
I wonder if these will go on a "national back order" like the Serpentine belt that I needed to have replaced...
Recalls Summary
Make: CHRYSLER
Model: PACIFICA
Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE
Year: 2005
Recall Number: 05V066000
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLAMP FUNCTION.
Consequence:
THE HEAD LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR NO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. THIS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE WIRING HARNESS AND LOW BEAM BULB ON BOTH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. E04. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
http://alldata.com/tsb/Chrysler/1109232000000_1109750400000_02-001-05/index.html
Copy it into your web browser and read it. Don't be depressed ! It's just a bar, you can safely drive, even without it !
Enjoy it !
For other Pacifica owners out there, please pay attention to this front-end noise and bring it back to your dealer for repair. Keep in mind that if you only drive on smooth road, you may not easily notice the noise. I drive on the snow covered road and it is really BAD and very irritate, especially on a new car with only 50Miles on it... Follow the link provided by Rodut's post and read it, it may be easier to find this defect when driving in the parking lot or semi-rough surface.
Take care.
PS: Rodut, now I know I can safely drive it "as is" with a bit annoying BUT driving without it??? No Thanks... The only bar I can do without for a night or two is just the local bar.
The second problem is with the auto liftgate. 9 times out of 10, the system will beep 2 times and you can hear the mechanics of the latch attempting to work, but it goes no further. The dealer says that they have not run across this problem and don't know how to fix it.
Any help or advice (short of finding another dealer)?
Copy it to your web browser and check it out:
http://alldata.com/tsb/Chrysler/1103356800000_1107244800000_21-011-04/index.html
Take care... dcdchau
-Ben
First diagnosis was calipers...but all problems still there. 2nd diagnosis, catalytic converter..still all problems. We'll see what this next dealership comes up with. We keep being told it's safe. Right! Getting really angry and frustrated here. Anyone with anything similar?
You have a history of all the previous repairs and the problems are still there, give all the repaired details to the 2nd dealer and tell them to keep the car until it is completely fixed. Hopefully, this signals them that you don't want the car any more. My first experience with Chrysler services is not a sweet one but the car is now fixed and drive quite nice.
It's a nice car once they work out all the bugs... Good luck.
The front sway bar links (mentioned in TSB 02-001-05),
or the bushings for the control arms (you were talking about in post 1049) ?
Give us acurate service details, they could be useful for everybody if we ever have your problem.
This is very informative to other Pacifica owners out there... Thank you.
I purchased a 2004 Pacifica in October 2004. It is an early production unit that had been on the dealer's lot since early 2003. It has every option except NAV & Bluetooth. I bought it from a small town dealership that doesn't move many $40,000 vehicles and got a very good price.
Now the meat & potatoes:
The first week we had the car, the climate control display went out and the EVIC died. It spent a week at the dealer for those problems alone. It's getting close to the first service and it has the front-end grind, the right side xenon flickers occasionally and the speakers crackle when playing CD's.
The biggest issue I have is mileage. In 4,500 miles, it has never done better than 13 MPG. I have taken it on a road trip from Phoenix to LA with the same results. 250 miles per tank is just plain awful! My father's 300 horsepower Lincoln Aviator get's 15-16 and is every bit as heavy as a Pacifica.
Has anyone else gotten such poor mileage with their AWD model? My wife is the primary driver and is very conservative. I've always gotten the higher end of EPA estimates with all my vehicles, including my current daily driver (Audi A4-1.8T).
I really want to like this vehicle. It is extremely comfortable, fits my family great and is a pleasure to drive. 12.5 MPG is totally unacceptable, though. As it stands, I feel my Chrysler reservations were not just paranoia. Maybe I should have stuck with my gut instinct.
Thanks in advance for any input.
dcdchau, probably because your Pac is older they had to use that TSB. I heard longtime ago talks about those control arms and their bushings. New ones, like amyb2's one or mine, had this problem solved in the factory.
Mine, built Jan13 this year, had both problems solved.
Amyb2, me too I am a longtime Honda fan. I owned three Hondas since 1991, and I drive the 3rd one on a daily basis (2001 made). My wife decided the Pacifica was for her. I get it in the weekends. I have to say that Hondas quality is not what it was ... but it's not bad though. Pacifica is an incredible vehicle. Sure it's not a sports car, but nobody ever expected that from a 4,500 lbs vehicle.
Live_to_drive you will have other problems too with your early 2003 built Pac. What happened to you is typical for early 2003s, and there are other things coming. According with these web sites Pacificas became trouble free around middle of 2004. I read about some very happy early 2003 buyers, but most ANGRY "lemon law prone" owners were early 2003 manuf date buyers. That happened to most 1st year cars, at all manufacturers.
Live_to_drive, Phoenix doesn't sound frozen at all ! Here in Canada, because of extreme cold temperatures we could get sometimes bad mileage ! On a "hot day" (about 30 Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius) I recently saw on the EVIC display around 26mpg. This is exactly what the book says. The conditions matter A LOT though. I used the following:
FWD Pacifica, no wind, horizontal good quality side road, preheated engine (let's say driven about 10 miles), car on cruise control on 45 miles/hour (or driven around that speed in the 4th gear), you push the RESET mileage button (it will take a couple of seconds to activate), then you drive it for let's say 10 miles at that speed. The EVIC mileage computer reading should climb pretty high.
Now ... the real test is measuring manually the mileage, by using the number of driven miles and the gallons of gas used. True, 250 miles per tank is bad. Some people said that break in matters, so the mileage would become better ... don't know ... mine was 300 miles old, last month, when I used that setup to test it.
Actually, in all honesty, I think you got an incredible discount on that vehicle, so you could pay for tons of gas before breaking even. It could fix by itself ...
When we bought it, and going through the breaking-in period, we were getting about what my '02 Ram 5.9L did: 13 in town, and 17 on the road. However, this has steadily climbed, and I'm pleased to report that yesterday I checked it (with the computer - haven't double-checked manually yet) and cam out with 24.7 miles per gallon at 60 on the road. Averaging about 17 in town, and 19.1 overall (mostly town driving).
The only material changes I've made to the car from stock are: a K&N air filter, and an oil change with Mobil1 Synthetic the other day.
Like most people, I've been a little concerned with the gas mileage, but love the car so much that I put up with it (same thing about my Ram). However, if these mileage computations come out as accurate when I double-check them, I'll be very happy. Our Intrepid (same size engine, 1/2 the weight) would only get 30mpg on the highway, so if I can get just below that for trips in a much bigger, more luxurious vehicle, I'm very happy.
Also, my wife got a screw in her tire the other day - we took it to a tire shop on the air force base where she works (who did the oil change), and they said it was unrepairable. The screw was in the middle of the tread, not the sidewall, and the replacement tire (one tire, now), was $176.10!!! I took it to the tire shop I normally use in town, and they repaired it for $15.00. He told me the shop on base, and some others, like Wal-Mart, really don't like doing repairs anymore, and will say just about anything to get out of them.
Todd
Please post the repair details... it can help other Pacifica owner. Thanks.
Thanks... Paul
Has anyone had similar problems.
I just got a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring and the CD system has the Disc Up and Disc Down buttons however I haven't been able to load multiple discs.
I pretty much assumed that the buttons are just to control a disc changer if you installed one aftermarket.
Any answers on this one folks?
Thanks a Million,
Matt